Catheter priming devices, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A catheter priming apparatus may include a barrier forming a reservoir. Fluid may be disposed within the reservoir. A support structure may be disposed within the barrier. The support structure may include an opening extending through the support structure and a connector configured to couple the catheter priming apparatus to a catheter system. A one-way valve may be coupled to the support structure and configured to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir through the connector in response to compression of a portion of the barrier aligned with the opening.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/558,871, filed Sep. 3, 2019, and entitled CATHETER PRIMING DEVICES,SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/729,804, filed on Sep. 11, 2018, and entitledCATHETER PRIMING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. Forexample, catheters may be used for infusing fluids, such as normalsaline solution, various medicaments, and total parenteral nutrition,into a patient. Catheters may also be used for withdrawing blood fromthe patient. In some instances, catheters and attached tubing sets thatare used for fluid infusion may be primed prior to insertion intovasculature of the patient to remove air. If air bubbles are allowed toenter the vasculature of the patient, an embolism may form, which maycause serious injury to the patient.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to catheter priming devices,systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a fluid storage unit may becoupled to a catheter system to facilitate priming of the cathetersystem. In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit may eliminate a needto use of a pre-filled syringe or an IV drip chamber to prime thecatheter system. In some embodiments, after the fluid storage unit iscoupled to the catheter system, the fluid storage unit may be activatedto release fluid within the fluid storage unit into the catheter systemand to prime the catheter system. In some embodiments, the fluid storageunit may be activated prior to catheterization or insertion of thecatheter system into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheterassembly, which may include a catheter hub and a catheter, which mayextend distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. In someembodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter(“PIVC”). In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a distalend, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end andthe proximal end.

In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a side port. In someembodiments, the catheter system may include an extension tube, whichmay include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, thedistal end of the extension tube may be coupled to the side port.

In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an adapter coupledto the proximal end of the extension tube. In some embodiments, theadapter may include a Y-adapter or another suitable adapter. In someembodiments, the catheter system may include the fluid storage unit. Insome embodiments, the fluid storage unit may be coupled to the adapter.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit may include a barrierforming a reservoir. In some embodiments, the barrier may include afilm. In some embodiments, the barrier may be constructed of foil. Insome embodiments, the fluid may be disposed within the reservoir. Insome embodiments, the fluid may include a saline solution or anothersuitable priming fluid.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit may include a supportstructure disposed within the barrier and/or the reservoir. In someembodiments, the support structure may include an opening extendingtherethrough. In some embodiments, the opening may be about a size of ahuman thumb, which may facilitate pinching of the fluid storage unit bya human hand to compress the fluid storage unit. In some embodiments,the support structure may include a ring or another suitable shape. Insome embodiments, the support structure may be rigid. In someembodiments, the support structure may include one or more polymers.

In some embodiments, the support structure may include a connectorconfigured to couple the fluid storage unit to the catheter system. Forexample, the connector may be configured to couple the fluid storageunit to the adapter. In some embodiments, the connector may include amale or female luer fitting.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit may include a one-way valve,which may be coupled to the support structure. In some embodiments, theone-way valve may prevent unintended fluid suck-back into the reservoirafter the fluid storage unit is compressed. In some embodiments, theone-way valve may be configured to allow the fluid to flow out of thereservoir and through the connector in response to compression of aportion of the barrier aligned with the opening. In some embodiments,the fluid is released from the reservoir and flows through the connectorin response to the compression exceeding a threshold value but not whenthe compression is below the threshold value.

In some embodiments, the support structure may reduce compression ofanother portion of the barrier. In some embodiments, an outer diameterof the portion of the barrier aligned with the opening may be less thanan outer diameter of the other portion of the barrier. In someembodiments, the portion of the barrier aligned with the opening may bedisposed inwardly with respect to the other portion of the barrier,which may be disposed around the portion of the barrier aligned with theopening. In some embodiments, the inward positioning of the portion ofthe barrier aligned with the opening may prevent accidental activationof the fluid storage unit during transportation.

In some embodiments, the barrier may include an aperture. In someembodiments, the fluid storage unit may include a seal, which may becoupled to a spring. In some embodiments, in response to compression ofthe barrier, the fluid may force the seal distally to open the apertureand compress the spring. In some embodiments, the spring may beconfigured to return the seal to a position sealing the aperture inresponse to ceasing of compression of the barrier.

In some embodiments, the seal may include a ball. In some embodiments,the fluid storage unit may include a washer, which may be coupled to thebarrier. In some embodiments, a distal end of the spring may be coupledto the seal. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the spring may becoupled to the washer. In some embodiments, in response to compressionof the barrier, the fluid may flow through the aperture, around the sealand the spring, and through the washer. In some embodiments, the sealmay be moved distally such that the fluid is released from the reservoirthrough the aperture in response to compression of the barrier exceedinga threshold value but not when compression of the barrier is below thethreshold value.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the barrier may include aconnecting portion configured to couple to the catheter system. In someembodiments, an outer surface of the connecting portion may abut aninner surface of the adapter, creating a fluid seal. In someembodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion and/or theinner surface of the adapter may be tapered. In some embodiments, theouter surface of the connecting portion and/or the inner surface of theadapter may be tapered at an angle within a range of about 5° to 10°. Insome embodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion and/or theinner surface of the adapter may be tapered at an angle of about 6°. Insome embodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion may betapered outwardly in a distal direction, and the inner surface of theadapter may be tapered inwardly in a proximal direction, helping tocreate the fluid seal. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the outersurface of the connecting portion may be tapered inwardly in a distaldirection, and the inner surface of the adapter may be tapered outwardlyin a proximal direction, helping to create the fluid seal.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit may include a duckbill valvecoupled to the barrier. In some embodiments, the duckbill valve may beconfigured to open in response to compression of the barrier to allowthe fluid to flow out of the fluid storage unit. In some embodiments, afirst flap and a second flap of the duckbill valve may be configured tocontact each other and seal the fluid storage unit in response toceasing of compression of the barrier.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter systemhaving an example fluid storage unit, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of the fluid storage unit of FIG.1A, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1C is an upper perspective view of an example support structure ofthe fluid storage unit of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 1Balong the line 1D-1D of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1E is a side view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 1A beingcompressed by a user, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an upper perspective view of the catheter system havinganother example fluid storage unit, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 2A,illustrating an example valve in a closed position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 2A,illustrating the valve in an open position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 2A,illustrating an example duckbill valve in a closed position, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage unit of FIG. 2A,illustrating an example duckbill valve in an open position, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly of thecatheter system of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 3B is an upper perspective view of an example needle hub configuredto be coupled with the catheter assembly of the catheter system of FIG.1A, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1A-1D, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter hub 12. Insome embodiments, the catheter hub 12 may include a distal end, aproximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and theproximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 may include aside port 14.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter 15,which may be secured within and/or extend distally from the distal endof the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter 15 may includea PIVC. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a closedIV catheter assembly, such as, for example, the Becton Dickinson NEXIVA™Closed IV Catheter System or the Becton Dickinson NEXIVA™ DIFFUSICS™Closed IV Catheter System. In some embodiments, the catheter assemblymay include an extension tube 16, which may include a distal end and aproximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may includeanother type of catheter assembly, such as, for example, anon-integrated catheter assembly or a catheter assembly without theextension tube 16.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 16 may becoupled to the side port 14. In some embodiments, the catheter assemblymay include an adapter 18, which may be coupled to the proximal end ofthe extension tube 16. In some embodiments, the adapter 18 may include aY-adapter or another suitable adapter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a fluid storageunit 20, which may be coupled to the adapter 18. In some embodiments,the fluid storage unit 20 may be activated by compression to releasefluid within the fluid storage unit 20 and may facilitate priming of thecatheter system 10.

In some embodiments, priming of the catheter system 10 may achieve abubble-free fluid pathway of the catheter system 10. In someembodiments, the fluid pathway of the catheter system 10 may include oneor more of the following: the catheter 15, the catheter hub 12, theextension tube 16, and the adapter 18. In some embodiments, the primingof the catheter assembly 10 may occur prior to catheterization orinsertion of the catheter assembly into vasculature of a patient. Insome embodiments, in response to compression or squeezing of the fluidstorage unit 20, the fluid 26 may flow from the fluid storage unit 20through the fluid pathway of the catheter system 10. In someembodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may eliminate a need to use of apre-filled syringe or an IV drip chamber to prime the catheter system10. In some embodiments, the fluid 26 may flow through fluid pathway inresponse to compression of the fluid storage unit 20 exceeding athreshold value but not when compression of the fluid storage unit 20 isbelow the threshold value.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may include a barrier 22forming a reservoir 24. In some embodiments, the barrier 22 may includea film. In some embodiments, the barrier 22 may be constructed of foil.In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may be constructed of aflexible or semi-flexible material, which may facilitate compression ofthe fluid storage unit 20. In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit20 may be constructed of plastic. In some embodiments, the fluid 26 maybe disposed within the reservoir 24. In some embodiments, the fluid 26may include a saline solution or another suitable priming fluid.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may include a supportstructure 28 disposed within the barrier 22 and/or the reservoir 24. Insome embodiments, the support structure 28 may be enclosed within thebarrier 22. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may include anopening 30 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the opening 30may be about a size of a human thumb, which may facilitate pinching ofthe fluid storage unit 20 by a human hand to compress the fluid storageunit 20. In some embodiments, the opening 30 may be positioned about ina middle of the fluid storage unit 20 or at another position. In someembodiments, the support structure 28 may include a ring or anothersuitable shape. In some embodiments, the reservoir 24 may be at leastpartially disposed within the opening 30.

In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may be rigid. In someembodiments, the support structure 28 may be constructed of one or morepolymers. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may bemonolithically formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the supportstructure 28 may include multiple pieces coupled together.

In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may include a connector 32configured to couple the fluid storage unit 20 to the adapter 18. Insome embodiments, the connector 32 may include a male or female luerfitting. In some embodiments, after the priming of the catheterassembly, the fluid storage unit 10 may be removed from the catheterassembly. Thus, in some embodiments, the connector 32 may removablycouple the fluid storage unit 20 to the adapter 18. In some embodiments,the fluid storage unit 20 may be needleless.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may include a one-wayvalve 34, which may be coupled to the support structure 28 and may allowthe fluid 26 to flow in a single direction through the one-way valve 34.In some embodiments, the one-way valve 34 may be configured to allow thefluid 26 to flow out of the reservoir 24 and through the connector 32 inresponse to compression of a portion 36 of the barrier 22 aligned withthe opening 30.

In some embodiments, the one-way valve 34 may prevent unintended fluidsuck-back into the reservoir 24 after the fluid storage unit 20 iscompressed. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may reducecompression of another portion of the barrier 22, such as, for example,another portion 38, which may surround the opening 30. In someembodiments, an outer surface of the support structure 28 may contact orbe disposed near an inner surface of the other portion 38 of the barrier22. In some embodiments, an outer diameter 40 of the portion 36 of thebarrier 22 aligned with the opening 30 may be less than an outerdiameter 42 of the other portion 38 of the barrier 22. In someembodiments, the portion 36 of the barrier 22 aligned with the opening30 may be disposed inwardly with respect to the other portion 38 of thebarrier 22, which may be disposed around the portion 36 of the barrier22 aligned with the opening 30. In some embodiments, the inwardpositioning of the portion 36 of the barrier 22 aligned with the opening30 may prevent accidental activation of the fluid storage unit 20 duringtransportation, for example.

In some embodiments, the barrier 22 may fit tightly around the supportstructure 28. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 may besomewhat loosely fit within the barrier 22 such that the supportstructure moves 28 slightly with respect to the barrier 22. In someembodiments, the barrier 22 must be compressed above a threshold inorder to release the fluid 26 from the reservoir. In some embodiments,the support structure 28 may prevent compression of the barrier 22 abovethe threshold except for at the portion 36 of the barrier 22 alignedwith the opening 30. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 maybe affixed to an inner surface of barrier 22 such that the fluid 26 isonly disposed within the opening 30. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe following may be affixed to the inner surface of the barrier 22: atop surface 29, a bottom surface 31, and an outer side surface 33 of thesupport structure 28. In some embodiments, the support structure 28 maynot be affixed to the barrier 22 such that fluid 26 may flow around theouter side surface of the support structure 28.

Referring now to FIG. 1E, a user may pinch the fluid storage unit 20 tocompress the fluid storage unit 20 and the reservoir 24 and release thefluid 26 to prime the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, the usermay place his or her thumb on the portion 36 of the barrier aligned withthe opening 30 during pinching.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 20 may be pre-attached tothe catheter hub 12 and/or pre-filled with the fluid 26, which maydecrease a risk of contamination. In some embodiments, the cathetersystem 10 may be included in a kit, which may include the fluid storageunit 20 pre-attached to the catheter hub 12 and pre-filled with thefluid 26. In some embodiments, priming of the catheter system 10 via thefluid storage unit 20 may facilitate mobility of the patient after thecatheterization and/or flexibility of the clinician duringcatheterization, as opposed to, for example, priming via the IVdrip-chamber or pre-filled syringe.

Referring now to FIG. 2A-2C, another fluid storage unit 46 isillustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thefluid storage unit 46 may include or correspond to the fluid storageunit 20. In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 46 may include oneor more features of the fluid storage unit 20 and/or the fluid storageunit 20 may include one or more features of the fluid storage unit 46.

In some embodiments, the barrier 22 may include an aperture 48. In someembodiments, the fluid storage unit 46 may include a seal 50, which maybe coupled to a spring 52. In some embodiments, in response tocompression of the barrier 22, the fluid 26 may force the seal 50distally to open the aperture 48 and compress the spring 52, asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the spring 52may be configured to return the seal 50 to a position sealing theaperture, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2B, in response toceasing of compression of the barrier. In some embodiments, in responseto ceasing of compression of the barrier 22, the barrier 22 may notdecompress.

In some embodiments, the seal 50 may include a ball or another suitableshape configured to seal the aperture 48. In some embodiments, the fluidstorage unit 46 may include a washer 54, which may be coupled to thebarrier 22. In some embodiments, a distal end of the spring 52 may becoupled to the seal 50. In some embodiments, a proximal end of thespring 52 may be coupled to the washer 54. In some embodiments, inresponse to compression of the barrier 22, the fluid may flow throughthe aperture 48, around the seal 50 and the spring 52, and through thewasher 54.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the barrier 22 may include aconnecting portion 56 configured to couple to the adapter 18. In someembodiments, an outer surface of the connecting portion 56 may abut aninner surface of the adapter 18, facilitating a fluid seal. In someembodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion 56 and/or theinner surface of the adapter 18 may be tapered. In some embodiments, theouter surface of the connecting portion 56 and/or the inner surface ofthe adapter 18 may be tapered at an angle within a range of about 5° to10°. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion 56and/or the inner surface of the adapter 18 may be tapered at an angle ofabout 6°. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the connectingportion 56 may be tapered outwardly in a distal direction, and the innersurface of the adapter 18 may be tapered inwardly in a proximaldirection, helping to create the fluid seal. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the outer surface of the connecting portion 56 may betapered inwardly in a distal direction, and the inner surface of theadapter 18 may be tapered outwardly in a proximal direction, helping tocreate the fluid seal. In some embodiments, the

Referring now to FIGS. 2D-2E, in some embodiments, the fluid storageunit 46 may include a duckbill valve 58, which may be coupled to thebarrier 22. In some embodiments, the duckbill valve 58 may be configuredto open in response to compression of the barrier 22 to allow the fluid26 to flow out of the fluid storage unit 46. In some embodiments, afirst flap 60 a and a second flap 60 b of the duckbill valve 58 may beconfigured to contact each other and seal the fluid storage unit 46 inresponse to ceasing of compression of the barrier 22. A non-limitingexample of a duckbill valve is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,126,012,filed Oct. 3, 2012, entitled “INTRAVENOUS CATHETER WITH DUCKBILL VALVE,”which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the fluid storage unit 46 may be pre-attached tothe catheter hub 12 and/or pre-filled with the fluid 26, which maydecrease a risk of contamination. In some embodiments, the cathetersystem 10 may be included in a kit, which may include the fluid storageunit 46 pre-attached to the catheter hub 12 and pre-filled with thefluid 26. In some embodiments, priming of the catheter system 10 via thefluid storage unit 46 may facilitate mobility of the patient after thecatheterization and/or flexibility of the clinician duringcatheterization, as opposed to, for example, priming via the IVdrip-chamber or pre-filled syringe.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 mayinclude a septum 62 and/or a septum housing 64. It is contemplated thatthe septum 62 may include any number of types of septa and may bepositioned at various locations with respect to the catheter hub 12. Insome embodiments, the septum 62 may be disposed within a lumen 66 of thecatheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the septum 62 may be at leastpartially disposed within the septum housing 64 and configured to atleast substantially seal the lumen 66 of the catheter hub 12. In someembodiments, the septum housing 64 may prevent dislodgement ordestabilization of the septum 62, thereby preventing leakage of fluidfrom the lumen of the catheter hub 12.

In these and other embodiments, the lumen 66 of the catheter hub 12 mayinclude a first lumen 66 a and/or a second lumen 66 b. In someembodiments, the proximal end of the catheter hub 12 may form the firstlumen 66 a and/or the side port 14 may form the second lumen 66 b. Insome embodiments, the first and second lumens 66 a, 66 b may join at acommon lumen 66 c. In some embodiments, the first lumen 66 a may begenerally aligned with the common lumen 66 c. In some embodiments, theseptum 62 and/or the septum housing 64 may be disposed in the firstlumen 66 a.

In some embodiments, the second lumen 66 b of the catheter hub 12 may becoupled with the fluid storage unit 20 via the extension tube 16 thatmay extend from the side port 14 of the catheter hub 12. In someembodiments, the extension tube 16 may extend from the proximal end ofthe catheter hub 12 or another port of the catheter assembly. In someembodiments, the extension tube 16 may include a clamp.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, an introducer needle 68of the catheter assembly may be withdrawn through the catheter hub 12after insertion of the catheter 15 into the vasculature of the patient.In some embodiments, the introducer needle 68 may extend distally from aneedle hub 70. In the closed IV catheter assembly, when the introducerneedle is withdrawn through the catheter hub 12, the first lumen 66 a,which may correspond to a “needle channel,” may be closed off by theseptum from an external environment surrounding the catheter hub 12.Thus, the septum may at least substantially seal the proximal end of thecatheter hub 12 and prevent fluid from exiting the catheter hub 12through the proximal end of the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments,the fluid pathway of the catheter assembly 14 during fluid primingand/or infusion may extend through the side port 14 and not the proximalend of the catheter hub 12.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although implementations of the presentinventions have been described in detail, it should be understood thatthe various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A catheter priming apparatus, comprising: a barrierforming a reservoir; fluid disposed within the reservoir; a supportstructure disposed within the reservoir, wherein the support structureis annular to form an opening extending through the support structure,wherein the support structure comprises a connector configured to couplethe catheter priming apparatus to a catheter system, wherein the barriersurrounds the support structure and the opening; a valve coupled to thesupport structure and configured to allow the fluid to flow out of thereservoir through the connector in response to compression of a portionof the barrier aligned with the opening.
 22. The catheter primingapparatus of claim 21, wherein the valve comprises a seal coupled to aspring, wherein in response to compression of the barrier, the fluidforces the seal distally to compress the spring and open the valve. 23.The catheter priming apparatus of claim 22, wherein the seal comprises aball.
 24. The catheter priming apparatus of claim 22, wherein the springis configured to return the seal to a position sealing the reservoir inresponse to ceasing of compression of the barrier.
 25. The catheterpriming apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a washer coupled tothe barrier, wherein a distal end of the spring is coupled to the seal,wherein a proximal end of the spring is coupled to the washer.
 26. Thecatheter priming apparatus of claim 25, wherein in response tocompression of the barrier, the fluid flows around the seal and thespring and through the washer.
 27. The catheter priming apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein a distal end of the barrier comprises a connectingportion configured to couple to a catheter system, wherein an outersurface of the connecting portion is tapered.
 28. The catheter primingapparatus of claim 27, wherein the outer surface of the connectingportion is tapered at an angle of about six percent.
 29. The catheterpriming apparatus of claim 21, wherein the valve comprises a duckbillvalve coupled to the barrier, wherein the duckbill valve is configuredto open in response to compression of the barrier to allow the fluid toflow out of the catheter priming apparatus.
 30. The catheter primingapparatus of claim 29, wherein a first flap and a second flap of theduckbill valve are configured to contact each other and seal thecatheter priming apparatus in response to ceasing of compression of thebarrier.
 31. The catheter priming apparatus of claim 21, wherein thesupport structure reduces compression of another portion of the barrier.32. The catheter priming apparatus of claim 21, wherein the barriercomprises a film.
 33. The catheter priming apparatus of claim 21,wherein the fluid comprises saline.
 34. The catheter priming apparatusof claim 21, wherein the connector comprises a male luer fitting. 35.The catheter priming apparatus of claim 21, wherein the supportstructure is rigid.
 36. A catheter priming apparatus, comprising: abarrier forming a reservoir; fluid disposed within the reservoir; aconnector configured to couple the catheter priming apparatus to acatheter system; a valve configured to allow the fluid to flow out ofthe reservoir through the connector in response to compression of aportion of the barrier aligned with the opening.
 37. The catheterpriming apparatus of claim 36, wherein the valve is coupled to thebarrier.
 38. The catheter priming apparatus of claim 36, wherein thevalve comprises a seal coupled to a spring, wherein in response tocompression of the barrier, the fluid forces the seal distally tocompress the spring and open the valve.
 39. The catheter primingapparatus of claim 36, wherein the valve comprises a duckbill valvecoupled to the barrier, wherein the duckbill valve is configured to openin response to compression of the barrier to allow the fluid to flow outof the catheter priming apparatus.
 40. The catheter priming apparatus ofclaim 36, wherein the valve comprises a one-way valve.